LAKELAND, Florida - Hundreds of people gathered at the First Baptist Church at the Mall in a memorial service for Master Deputy J. Shane Robbins, with the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Deputy Robbins was killed in a car crash last week.

"He was and is the bravest person I've ever known. I feel like I'm living in a strange surreal world where any minute now he'll come through the door to start a lesson in complete Shane fashion," said his stepdaughter speaking at the service, Kayla Armstrong.

Deputy Robbins was on duty Friday when his patrol car crashed into trees along Bomber Road. He later died at the hospital.

The 15-year veteran of the Polk County Sheriff's Office is described as someone who loved making people laugh.

"He had this incredible spirit about him. He had an excitement about life. It was difficult to get him down, no matter what kind of horrors he saw on the job," said Sgt. Angie Sockwell, who worked with and supervised Deputy Robbins for years.

The 40-year-old is also described as a man who loved protecting people, especially children, as he worked in the Special Victim's Unit. Co-workers said the only that came above Deputy Robbins' job was his family.

The investigation into what led to the crash in still ongoing. Detectives said they have ruled out a medical condition.

A memorial fund has been set up for Deputy Robbins' children. Checks can be made payable to: